Xero – Xerocon 2016

OBJECTIVE

Cloud-based accounting software company Xero chose LRI to produce Xerocon, its partner conference for 1,300 delegates, 65 bespoke exhibition stands and three breakout areas all at Battersea Evolution. In addition, the company requested a spectacular post-event party with entertainment, to take place in the plenary conference room.

The event was designed to update partners from across the UK and EU on Xero’s latest news and vision, with on-stage technical product demonstrations and a number of guest speakers. The overall objective for Xero was to attract new partners, grow the attendance rate from the previous year and offer inspiring content. As part of the process, the venue needed to be totally overhauled and branded as Xerocon, the center-piece of which was a 54m widescreen set.

SOLUTION

LRI produced the 54m curved widescreen set, made up of nine projectors blended together and installed two 24m inflatable breakout domes in the venue’s car park. During the event rig, LRI had to deal with storm Imogen which made the construction of outdoor branding extremely difficult.

“We dealt with this by putting in place additional health and safety measures,” says managing director of LRI, Elliot Levi. “It might not have appeared aesthetically perfect, but with the high winds safety was the paramount. The crew who put up the inflatable breakout domes stayed behind to make sure everything was okay in the extreme weather.”

In addition to the product demonstrations and keynote addresses from the Xero team, several guest speakers also inspired the delegates. They included explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, chief envisioning officer at Microsoft Dave Coplin, and comedian Fred MacAulay.

After the conference, LRI worked quickly to produce an evening party. “Again, everything had to be branded,” says Elliot. We brought in lounge furniture to give the room a nightclub feel, used a 3m ice sculpture with Xero’s logo to really impress the delegates, and had branded sponsor areas made out of helium 2m wide helium balloons.”

VERDICT

The event faced a number of challenges, mainly from Storm Imogen, which affected the rigging and build. However, these were overcome and the event exceeded expectations. Nina Habasune Cowdery, marketing manager at Xero, says she was really pleased with the event. “I can’t emphasis enough how fantastic LRI has been to work with for the fourth year running on this event. I’ve yet to ask for something they can’t deliver to a superb standard.” Feedback, which was gathered by email, was very positive. In light of the success, she adds there may be room for expansion. “Next year, I might consider upping the level of content we produce and increasing the offering for exhibitors.”